You might think that would be good news to players in Pawtucket. After all, Strasburg has been virtually unhittable in his two outings in Syracuse, allowing no runs and just one hit in 12 innings of work while walking two and striking out 13.

Outfielder Daniel Nava: “I just found out about it and it’s disappointing. Most guys said they were looking forward to a good challenge (like that) because obviously he’s a good pitcher and he has good stuff.”

Outfielder Bubba Bell: “I think everybody’s a little disappointed. We heard we were going to get him on the last day (of the series) and I think everybody was kind of excited about it -- just to at least see what all the hype was all over about and how they would fare against him.”

Manager Torey Lovullo: “I think it would have been a great challenge to face a pitcher like that. There’s so much excitement that follows (Strasburg) and I think everyone wanted to see what all the excitement was all about and get a feel for what a special guy he is.”

Bell also said he spoke to former teammate and current Chief Chris Duncan about "Strasburg-Mania"

“(Duncan) was saying how (Strasburg) is kind of a shy, laidback kind of guy and he’s just getting hounded right now,” Bell said. “He was telling me how everyone felt bad for him, and sometimes, they had to sneak him out of the clubhouse and do other stuff like that.”